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Listening to the Voices of Trees: The Bonsai World of Kawabe Takeo

  • A Tōhoku shinpaku

    A Tōhoku shinpaku

  • Kawabe discusses bonsai with a group of enthusiasts from Switzerland.

    Kawabe discusses bonsai with a group of enthusiasts from Switzerland.

  • Kawabe uses shears made to his personal specifications by specialist manufacturers in Tsubame Sanjō.

    Kawabe uses shears made to his personal specifications by specialist manufacturers in Tsubame Sanjō.

  • Kawabe at home with a piece he made from Japanese yews originally planted 350 years ago.

    Kawabe at home with a piece he made from Japanese yews originally planted 350 years ago.

  • Kizahashi (Stairs) (left), a Tōhoku shinpaku, more than 1,000 years old; height 95 cm. (Photo by Sugisaki Miho). One of Kawabe’s Kaga yews (right); height 100 cm.

    Kizahashi (Stairs) (left), a Tōhoku shinpaku, more than 1,000 years old; height 95 cm. (Photo by Sugisaki Miho). One of Kawabe’s Kaga yews (right); height 100 cm.

  • Kawabe makes many of his tools himself.

    Kawabe makes many of his tools himself.

  • Kawabe at home, chatting with some of his friends.

    Kawabe at home, chatting with some of his friends.

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